Attachment to baskets and the like



Sept. 11, 1934. c, N, LUSH ATTACHMENT TO BASKETS AND THE LIKE Filed Oct. 11, 1933 w n mu m" c Patented Sept. 11, 1934 I 1,973,643 ATTACHMENT To BASKETS AND THE LIKE Clifford Nelson Lush, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Application October 11, 1933, Serial'No. 693,173 4 Claims. (01. 217-422) The invention relates to improvements in attachments to baskets and'the like and more especially to the type used by tradesmen for delivery purposes.

Before describing the objects 'of the invention, I might mention that the ordinary type of wicker basket, that is, those generally made with weaved osier twigs present a very rough uneven surface on the sides of the basket, and as the delivery man carries the loaded basket from his arm, the natural swaying of the basket causes this rough surface to act as an abrasive against the material of his uniform, soon wearing it away and necessitating a new uniform or at least substantial repairs. As many firms wholly or partially pay for their carriers uniform, this wear becomes an item of consideration.

The principal object of the invention is, to provide a metal shield or guard, fastened to "either side of the basket which, due to the smoothness of the surface of the metal forms a wearing plate and permits free movement or slide of the basket against the carriers uniform with a minimum amount of friction.

A further object of the invention is to reenforce and protect the walls of the basket against damage such as accidental kicks or a sudden added weight on the sides tending to collapse them.

' A further object of the invention is to fasten the lower part of the wearing plate to the lower part of the basket such, that the bottom or floor of the basket is considerably reenforced.

A still further object of the invention is to impart all such reenforcing advantages to the basket, due to the inherent strength of the metal in the wearing plate, whilst still retaining the advantage of the light weight of a basket made of wood.

H With the above important objects in View which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, the invention consists-essentially in the arrangement and construction of parts hereinafter more particularly described, reference being had to the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an ordinary wickerwork basket with the wearing plates attached.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken through the basket at the handle.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the wearing plates looking from the inner side.

-In the drawing like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the'several fig-;

the sides and ends are formed by a series of relatively wide, vertical strips of willow indicated at 2, and interwoven with thin osier twig's 3 The strips 2 being very thin and pliable, pass down the sides or ends, then across the lower part of the basket as shown at fl to form the bottom, and then pass up the other side or end. In forming the bottom, the side strips are weaved with those of the ends.

The upper edges of the basket are reenforced by inner and outer horizontal strips 5 of willow and the vertical strips are suitably fastened therebetween. A handle 6 overlies and connects the two sides of the basket, the ends passing down between the horizontal strips 5 and are suitably fastened to the basket by rivets 7 and 8.

Three narrow, vertical strips of willow, one at either side and one in the center as shown at 9, 10 and'll pass down the outside of the ends of the basket and then across the bottom to form runners. These runners are reenforced by thin strips of metal 12. Further reenforcing strips of willow 13 are inserted below the bottom between the strips 2 and the runners. The above will give a general description of baskets at present in use.

To the sides of the basket I attach a wearing plate 14 which extends nearly the full length of the basket and is formed from spring-steel or other suitable smooth metal. The upper edge of the plate is bent back on itself on the inside to form a smooth edge as-indicated at 15 whilst the two ends are also bent back as indicated at 16 and 17. Suitable rivets 18 and 19 fasten the upper corners of the plate to the upper horizontal strips 5 of the basket. The lower part of the plate curves under the basket as indicated at 20 and is caught between the runners 9 or 11 and the strips 13 of the bottom. Retaining rivets 21 secure the plate to the bottom and the runners.

From the foregoing description of the basket the objectionable feature of the protruding osier twigs will readily be appreciated. It has been estimated that the life of a delivery mans uniform without anyprotection from the twigs is about one month. By utilizing this wearing plate on the basket, the uniform is amply protected from damage without materially increasing the weight of the basket.

Further, due to the strength of the metal in the wearing plate the sides of the basket are not only strengthened, but it also assists in keeping the basket in shape thus prolonging its life. It has also been found that due to the plate being riveted to the bottom it prevents the withdrawing of the strips 13 from the runners which is a common fault with this type of basket.

Whilst I have shown the basket with a wearing plate on both sidesI do not-wish to be limited to this as it will be readily understood that in the interest of economy a plate on one side would give equal protection to clothes although to the use of the plate on that -onetype, as the invention could readily be adapted for use on any type of delivery basket or container-with similar resulting advantage What I claim as my invention is:

1. In combination with a wooden basket or container, of a wearing'and reenforcing plate positioned on the outer wall of the basket, said plate presenting an unobstructed, unbroken exterior surface with a low co-eificient of friction to permitthe said basket to slide freely past the clothes of one carrying the basket.

approximately the whole of one side of the said basket or container and the lower minor portion curving under the basket, means being provided to retain said plate to said basket or container.

14. The combination with a basket or wooden container provided with an overhanging handle, of awearing and re enforcing metal plate, the upper major portion thereof covering approximatly the whole of one side of the said basket or container and the lower minor portion curving under] the f basket, means being provided to retain said plate to said basket or container.

CLIFFORD NELSON LUSH. 

